Penn State's Hull named Big Ten linebacker of the year

Penn State's Mike Hull, who led a revived defense that became one of the nation's best, was named the Big Ten's linebacker of the year Monday.

The senior middle linebacker led the Big Ten with 134 tackles in becoming the second Nittany Lion to win the award. Mike Mauti won in 2012.

Hull and teammate Anthony Zettel also were named consensus all-Big Ten first-team players by coaches and the media. Zettel led Penn State in sacks and tackles for loss and tied for the team lead in interceptions in his first season at defensive tackle.

The pair helped Penn State rank among the top 10 nationally in seven defensive categories, including No. 1 against the run.

Senior kicker Sam Ficken was named second-team all-conference by the coaches and media. Receiver DaeSean Hamilton, who led Penn State with 75 catches, was a media choice for second-team.